VASRD 7343 · Digestive System

Hiatal Hernia VA Disability Rating

Part of the stomach pushes up into the chest, causing reflux, chest pain, or trouble swallowing.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
60%Serious complications from reflux
30%Frequent pain or regurgitation
10%Occasional discomfort

How the VA Evaluates Hiatal Hernia

Endoscopy, barium swallow, diagnosis of GERD or reflux-related esophagitis.

Approval rate

Moderate (~50%) if symptoms are consistent and documented.

Annual service-connected

6,200 veterans

Average rating

30%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •GI specialist reports
  • •Endoscopy with findings
  • •Medication history (PPIs, antacids)

Strategy Tips

  • •Track reflux episodes and treatment failures
  • •Include dietary modifications if required

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No proof of persistent symptoms
  • •Lack of imaging or specialist diagnosis

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Claiming without confirming diagnosis
  • •Overlooking dietary impacts

Onset Patterns

  • •Often worsens with age, obesity, or physical strain

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Hiatal Hernia. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • GERD

    Often a primary symptom

  • Esophagitis

    Irritation from acid reflux

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Hiatal Hernia is frequently claimed.

Army74DChemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear SpecialistArmy92FPetroleum Supply SpecialistArmy92WWater Treatment SpecialistMarines1171Water Support TechnicianMarines1391Bulk Fuel SpecialistNavyABFAviation Boatswain's Mate - FuelsNavyMTMissile TechnicianCoast GuardMSTMarine Science Technician

Common questions about Hiatal Hernia

Is Hiatal Hernia a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Hiatal Hernia under VASRD diagnostic code 7343 (Digestive System). Part of the stomach pushes up into the chest, causing reflux, chest pain, or trouble swallowing.
What VA disability rating can I get for Hiatal Hernia?
Possible VA ratings for Hiatal Hernia are 60%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 60% — Serious complications from reflux; 30% — Frequent pain or regurgitation; 10% — Occasional discomfort.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Hiatal Hernia?
The average awarded rating for Hiatal Hernia is 30%. Roughly 6,200 veterans are service-connected for Hiatal Hernia each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate (~50%) if symptoms are consistent and documented..
What evidence helps prove Hiatal Hernia for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Hiatal Hernia claim includes: GI specialist reports; Endoscopy with findings; Medication history (PPIs, antacids).
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Hiatal Hernia?
Common pitfalls when filing for Hiatal Hernia: Claiming without confirming diagnosis; Overlooking dietary impacts.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Hiatal Hernia?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Hiatal Hernia include: GERD, Esophagitis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Hiatal Hernia combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

Open the calculator